Brushing the Right Way

Most people know they should brush their teeth often, but not as many people know the right technique for brushing.  You should brush after each meal if possible or at least each morning and each night.  If you cannot brush after meals and snacks, rinse your mouth with plain water  to reduce the sugar and food debris left on your teeth.  When brushing:

1. Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your pre-moistened toothbrush.
2. Start with the front surface of the upper left molars working in a clockwise direction.  The average toothbrush will cover 2-3 teeth at a time.
3. Hold the brush at a 45° angle, with the bristles near the gum line and brush in a circular motion.
4. Move to the inside surfaces of the teeth and repeat.  When cleaning the inside surface of the front teeth, use the tip of the toothbrush from the gum line down.
5. Be sure to brush all chewing surfaces allowing the bristles to penetrate between the teeth.
6. Total brushing time should be about 2 minutes.
7. Don’t forget to brush your tongue from back to front and the insides of your cheeks.
8. Rinse with water or mouthwash.